Mets Continue Trend of Signing Former Marlins

Once again, the Miami Marlins trash becomes the New York Mets’ treasure.

Shortly after being released by the Marlins, the Mets have agreed to a minor league deal with infielder Christopher Morel, reports Will Sammon of The Athletic. He will head to Triple-A Syracuse in hopes of finding his swing.

Morel reportedly has multiple opt-out dates available on the new contract, the first of which is July 15, reports ESPN’s Jorge Castillo. Such opt-outs are common on minor league deals for veteran players of this nature.

Morel, who recently turned 27, slashed .162/.219/.206 line with a 38.4% strikeout rate during his short time with the Marlins, who signed him to a $2 million contract over the offseason.

The Mets continue the trend of signing former Marlins players shortly after being let go by the team. The Mets recently brought in Austin Slater, who went 5-for-20 in nine games before moving onto the Tampa Bay Rays for seven more games.

The Mets are currently relying on former Marlins first baseman Eric Wagaman, who spent his first full season with the Fightin’ Fish last year. Wagaman is currently slashing .192/.276/.423 (5-for-26) with two home runs and four RBI in 17 games with the Mets, who sit last in the National League East.

Wagaman hit nine home runs with 53 RBI and a .250/.296./378 slash line in 140 games for the Marlins last year, including a .640 OPS through the first half. Had Morel produced such stats, he would still be with the Marlins.

The Marlins are still looking for a full time first baseman after Morel and Connor Norby (4 HR, 16 RBI, .638 OPS) didn’t live up to expectations. The current solution may be in Kyle Stowers, who moved from outfield to first base and is putting up an .857 OPS with five home runs and 21 RBI through the month of June.

With a win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, the Marlins will finish the month of June with a MLB-high 20 wins, which would set a franchise record.